Central Asia news

Ex-minister of agriculture Paizygeldy Meredov arrested in Ashkhabad

Ex-minister of agriculture Paizygeldy Meredov, 64, was arrested in Ashkhabad. What information is available at this point indicates that the charges pressed against the former Cabinet member concern financial fraud involving cotton export operations. Sacked by Saparmurat Niyazov in 1994, Meredov remained one of the late president's confidants even in retirement. When the Turkmenbashi passed away, Meredov found himself out of favor with the new regime. He was even detained but released several days later. Meredov's son Batyr was arrested the other day (Batyr lived in the United Arab Emirates running family business from there). Meredov is known as one of the wealthiest men in Turkmenistan. No information on his trial or verdict is available for the time being.